Elementary Experience: My elementary years were spent at Wakefield Hills in little West Warwick, RI. I was the first class to attend this brand new school from kindergarten to 5th grade. These years were some of my favorite, yet horrible looking years. I vividly remember my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Razza-Jones. At the time, I felt most free - didn't care what my hair looked like, make up wasn't even a thought, sweatpants and gym shorts( and not those booty gym shorts, I mean the horrible knee length boy gym shorts) were a daily thing. Mrs. Razza-Jones came to school every day presentable, yet you could tell she didn't put more time into getting ready than preparing her lessons. Now what did I learn that year? Honestly, I have no clue. I have no recollection of any wars we learned about, or the books we read. All I remember is coming to class every day and feeling safe and secure. A sort of protection overcame me every time I was in her presence, like she just genuinely cared about me as not only a student, but a person. Now you may be wondering, "why is this 10 year old so concerned about being secure?" I didn't come from a broken home or anything, my parents were and still are together. I had heat in my house, food on my table, and a bed to sleep on every night. But I did feel a certain sense of protection and security in my 5th grade environment that I did not receive at home. After my 5th grade year was over, security has become a top necessity in my schooling environment. And I don't mean I want metal detectors and cops at the end of every hall(that would simply make me more scared and worried). I now seek support with other teachers and friends with a sense of compassion that I'm not just viewed at as another student. I learned through my 5th grade teacher the kind of teacher I want to become; I aspire to provide a safe haven for all of my future students.